Season 1
The Nativity is a British television mini-series written by Tony Jordan which is a re-telling of the Christian nativity story, revealing the human story beneath the classic biblical tale, from the courtship of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem stable.
The series aired in the UK on BBC One from 20-23 December, 2010. There are four half-hour episodes in the series.
The Nativity premiered in South Africa on DStv's BBC Entertainment channel on Tuesday 20 December 2011, at 16h30. New episodes broadcast daily, on weekdays.
Synopsis
Tatiana Maslany and Andrew Buchan star as Mary and Joseph in Tony Jordan's adaptation of The Nativity for BBC One this Christmas.
Over four half-hour episodes the drama tells the traditional tale known to millions from a very human perspective.
With Mary and Joseph's enduring love story at the centre this familiar story is given a contemporary twist, as the drama follows Joseph and Mary from their initial courtship – Joseph desperate to win the heart of Mary – to his emotional turmoil at her unexpected pregnancy.
This gripping and vibrant adaptation shows the Nativity from a fresh viewpoint, highlighting how seemingly ordinary people reacted to the extraordinary and miraculous events that befell them.
Rich in colour and humour, the remarkable events that led up to Jesus's birth will unfold across the four nights, from the epic journey of the wise men to the poignant tale of Thomas – a poor shepherd – whose waning faith in God is revived as he kneels beside the crib of the newborn king.
Jordan's Nativity is a spectacular Christmas treat for the whole family.
Andrew Buchan as Joseph, Tatiana Maslany as Mary and Peter Capaldi as Balthasar are joined by an impressive cast including: Jack Shepherd as Melchior; Obi Abili as Gaspar; Art Malik as Nicolaus; Vincent Regan as Herod; John Lynch as Gabriel; Claudie Blakley as Anna; Frances Barbour as Elizabeth; Neil Dudgeon as Joachim; Al Weaver as Thomas the Shepherd; Ruth Negga as Leah and Gawn Grainger as Levi.
Tony Jordan and Jane Featherstone are executive producers for Red Planet Pictures and Bethan Jones is executive producer for the BBC.
The Nativity was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama. The producer is Ruth Kenley-Letts and the director is Coky Giedroyc.
This is a Red Planet Pictures production through BBC Wales.